we averted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we averted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the prevention of something undesirable or harmful from occurring. Example: "Thanks to our quick response, we averted a potential disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I don't think we averted a famine," he said.

The New York Times

"We averted a major credit crunch," Mr. Draghi said.

The New York Times

For decades, we averted disaster, even under the shadow of a superpower stand-off.

The Guardian

For decades, we averted disaster, even under the shadow of a super-power standoff.

The Guardian - Opinion

If I were built, it wouldn't matter if we averted the fiscal cliff.

The New Yorker

"We averted a needless evacuation," said Robert J. Donahue Jr., the fire chief.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Then we avert our eyes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The burka aside, how do we avert this unpredictable danger?

Independent

We avert our eyes and pretend they are not there.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the key question is not how we weather them but how – if this is possible – we avert them.

The Guardian - Opinion

All I care about is that we avert that crisis and give the NHS the support it needs for the future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we averted" to emphasize a successful outcome in preventing a negative event. It's suitable for highlighting proactive measures and their positive results.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who performed the action of averting. For example, instead of "a crisis was averted", specify "we averted a crisis" to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we averted" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a negative outcome was successfully prevented through specific actions. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, showing it is used to communicate success in avoiding undesirable events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we averted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the successful prevention of a negative outcome, conveying a sense of accomplishment and control. When using "we averted", it's crucial to maintain clarity by specifying who performed the action and what was averted. While alternatives like "we prevented" and "we avoided" offer similar meanings, "we averted" emphasizes proactive intervention and a positive result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we prevented

Focuses on the act of stopping something from happening, emphasizing direct intervention.

we avoided

Implies steering clear of a situation, suggesting a more passive approach.

we averted the risk of

Specifically targets potential danger, adding a layer of formality.

we staved off

Suggests delaying or postponing a negative outcome, often used for threats.

we warded off

Emphasizes deflecting or protecting against something harmful.

we forestalled

Highlights acting in advance to prevent something.

we circumvented

Suggests finding a way around an obstacle or problem.

we mitigated

Implies reducing the severity or impact of something negative.

we turned aside

Focuses on redirecting or deflecting an unwanted event.

we headed off

Suggests intercepting or stopping something before it progresses further.

FAQs

How can I use "we averted" in a sentence?

Use "we averted" to indicate that a negative outcome was successfully prevented. For example, "We averted a potential disaster by acting quickly."

What's a more formal alternative to "we averted"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we forestalled" or "we mitigated", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "we have averted"?

Yes, "we have averted" is grammatically correct and represents the present perfect tense, indicating that the action of averting has been completed. It's similar to "we prevented" but emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the averted outcome.

What's the difference between "we averted" and "we avoided"?

"We averted" implies active intervention to prevent something, while "we avoided" suggests steering clear of a situation. Averting involves a more direct action to stop something from happening.